Sony sticks with Neal Moritz

Original reups first-look deal through 2012

Neal Moritz’s Original Film banner has reupped its first-look deal with Sony Pictures Entertainment through 2012.

Move comes on the heels of No. 1 bows for two Sony-released Original pics this year: “Prom Night” and “Vantage Point.”

“We have worked with Neal for over a decade, (and) during that time he has proven that he possesses great commercial instincts and has a remarkable eye for emerging talent,” Columbia Pictures co-prexy Doug Belgrad said.

Moritz, who began his producing career at Sony with “Cruel Intentions,” has become one of the most prolific producers on the Culver City lot. His films for Sony and other studios include “I Am Legend,” “Click,” “The Fast and the Furious” franchise and the “XXX” films.

“He knows exactly what kinds of films we are looking to make and, equally important, he is a hands-on producer who knows how to deliver first-rate production value at a price,” said Col co-prexy Matt Tolmach.

Among Moritz’s pics set to bow this year is Columbia’s Patrick Dempsey starrer “Made of Honor.” He is developing “The Green Hornet” for the studio as well as the recent acquisition “Battle: Los Angeles.” Other titles on Original’s slate include “R.I.P.D.,” to be directed by David Dobkin; “Man Witch,” to be helmed by Todd Phillips; and a remake of “Escape From New York.” Moritz is in production on the fourth “Fast and the Furious” installment.

On the TV front, he is an executive producer on Fox’s “Prison Break” and produced HBO movie “The Rat Pack.”